Today in World War II History—March 26, 1940 & 1945
Dodge ambulances standing by C-46 Commando aircraft at Clark Field, Manila, Philippine Islands, 29 Sep 1945 (public domain via WW2 Database)
80 Years Ago—March 26, 1940: In Canadian election, Mackenzie King retains position as prime minister.
First flight of Curtiss C-46 Commando cargo plane in St. Louis, MO.
US commercial airlines complete a year of flying without a fatal accident or a serious injury.
Men of the US 77th Division landing from LVTs onto Zanami Island of the Kerama Islands near Okinawa, Japan, 27 Mar 1945. (US Army photo)
75 Years Ago—March 26, 1945: The Battle of Iwo Jima officially ends: in the campaign, 5400 US and 20,000 Japanese troops were killed—and only 216 POWs taken; Adm. Chester Nimitz will say, “Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”
US Eighth Army lands on Cebu in the Philippines.
US Tenth Army lands on Kerama Islands 15 miles west of Okinawa to build an artillery base; seizes 350 suicide torpedo boats.
David Lloyd George, British prime minister during WWI, dies at age 83.
Flag raising at US Headquarters on Iwo Jima after US Navy military government is established, 14 Mar 1945. (US Naval History and Heritage Command: NH 104584)
